Hello all! This forum helped me learn quite a bit about the Nissan Leaf over the past couple months since I started looking into the vehicle so I thought it was about time to register and become part of the community. Especially since I finally pulled the trigger and bought the last 2018 Leaf S available new in the Phoenix metro area here in AZ! The deal was almost too good to pass up. I was originally looking at used Leafs because the prices were so tempting but this forum certainly helped me understand first gen Leaf batteries and the AZ heat. Quite valuable information!
As I am still new to the Leaf world I had a couple initial questions which are probably answered on this site somewhere but thought I would hopefully get some feedback all at once:
1. I was excited for the NissanConnect EV app and being able to start the AC before leaving here in the AZ summer, but although the dealership excitedly sold this feature to me, I have since learned the base S does not include the telematics unit which would make these features possible. Is there a work around for the base S? This brings up a side rant for me: Although the Leaf has many interesting features and I enjoy doing some detective work, the lack of knowledge from Nissan staff at dealerships regarding EVs in general and the Leaf in particular is annoying. Each dealership should have at least one Leaf "expert" who can answer simple questions regarding the vehicle.
2. One question I cannot find a clear answer on, even though it seems like such a basic thing especially here in AZ... is it possible to keep the AC/heat on and stay in the car while charging at a fast charging station? The dealership we purchased the Leaf from has a fast charger and we can charge for free but the one time we have tried this, with sleeping kids in the back seat, the charger would not work if the car was also on.
3. One of the main reasons I was looking into EVs is my employer offers free charging at work at I live only about 4 miles from the office. I was thinking I could almost never need to charge at home. But if I did need to charge at my house, I planned to "share" my electric dryer 240 outlet. But the connection on the Leaf charging cable is different than the three pronged dryer outlet. Is there an easy/cheap adapter or work around this issue?
I am sure I will have more questions as I enjoy the vehicle but thought I would start by asking the experts. Thanks again for all the helpful information I have already been able to learn through this community!
Billy Reid
Mesa, AZ
As I am still new to the Leaf world I had a couple initial questions which are probably answered on this site somewhere but thought I would hopefully get some feedback all at once:
1. I was excited for the NissanConnect EV app and being able to start the AC before leaving here in the AZ summer, but although the dealership excitedly sold this feature to me, I have since learned the base S does not include the telematics unit which would make these features possible. Is there a work around for the base S? This brings up a side rant for me: Although the Leaf has many interesting features and I enjoy doing some detective work, the lack of knowledge from Nissan staff at dealerships regarding EVs in general and the Leaf in particular is annoying. Each dealership should have at least one Leaf "expert" who can answer simple questions regarding the vehicle.
2. One question I cannot find a clear answer on, even though it seems like such a basic thing especially here in AZ... is it possible to keep the AC/heat on and stay in the car while charging at a fast charging station? The dealership we purchased the Leaf from has a fast charger and we can charge for free but the one time we have tried this, with sleeping kids in the back seat, the charger would not work if the car was also on.
3. One of the main reasons I was looking into EVs is my employer offers free charging at work at I live only about 4 miles from the office. I was thinking I could almost never need to charge at home. But if I did need to charge at my house, I planned to "share" my electric dryer 240 outlet. But the connection on the Leaf charging cable is different than the three pronged dryer outlet. Is there an easy/cheap adapter or work around this issue?
I am sure I will have more questions as I enjoy the vehicle but thought I would start by asking the experts. Thanks again for all the helpful information I have already been able to learn through this community!
Billy Reid
Mesa, AZ